Between Diplomacy and Non-Diplomacy: Foreign relations of Kurdistan-Iraq and Palestine

This book compares the involvement of Kurdistan-Iraq and Palestine in international relations, analyzing their paradiplomatic activities and practical performance. It identifies similarities and differences between the two regions' paradiplomacy and provides empirical explanations for their development and practice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 332 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate dynamics of international relations, focusing on the roles of Kurdistan-Iraq and Palestine (Palestinian Territory of the West Bank and Gaza Strip) in the global arena. Through a detailed examination of their practical performance, the book offers a comprehensive overview of the current paradiplomatic activities and achievements of both regions. The contributing authors analyze the evolution of paradiplomacy, the domestic legal and institutional frameworks, the goals, instruments, and capabilities of Kurdish and Palestinian paradiplomacy, as well as selected foreign relations.

The book identifies the similarities and differences between the paradiplomacy of Kurdistan-Iraq and Palestine with regard to a set of guidelines, including causes, legal foundations, institutionalization, predominant motives, practical implementation, and outcomes of paradiplomacy. It provides empirical explanations about how and why Kurdistan-Iraq and Palestine develop and practice paradiplomacy, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of their involvement in international affairs and their activities.

Paradiplomacy, as a distinct form of diplomacy, has emerged as a powerful tool for marginalized regions seeking to assert their influence and promote their interests on the international stage. Kurdistan-Iraq and Palestine, both with unique historical and political contexts, have embraced paradiplomacy as a means to address their challenges and advance their goals.

In Kurdistan-Iraq, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has been actively engaged in paradiplomacy since the late 1990s. Recognizing the limitations of traditional diplomacy, the KRG has sought to establish diplomatic relations with countries worldwide to promote its political and economic aspirations. The KRG has established embassies in several countries, including the United States, France, and Germany, and has engaged in high-level visits and negotiations with foreign leaders.

One of the key achievements of Kurdish paradiplomacy has been the recognition of the Kurdish people's right to self-determination. The KRG has tirelessly advocated for the recognition of Kurdish sovereignty and the establishment of an independent Kurdish state. Through its diplomatic efforts, the KRG has secured support from a growing number of countries, including the United States, France, and the United Kingdom.

In addition to its advocacy for self-determination, Kurdish paradiplomacy has also focused on promoting economic development and stability in the region. The KRG has signed numerous agreements with foreign companies and investors to promote investment and trade, and has worked to establish diplomatic relations with countries that can provide economic assistance and support.

Palestine, on the other hand, has faced significant challenges in its pursuit of paradiplomacy due to its political and geographical location. The Palestinian Authority (PA) has been engaged in paradiplomacy since the early 2000s, seeking to establish diplomatic relations with countries worldwide and promote its cause of statehood and independence.

Despite the obstacles, the PA has achieved significant milestones in its paradiplomacy efforts. The PA has established embassies in several countries, including the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom, and has engaged in high-level visits and negotiations with foreign leaders. One of the key achievements of Palestinian paradiplomacy has been the international recognition of the Palestinian people's right to self-determination.

The PA has also focused on promoting economic development and stability in the occupied Palestinian territories. The PA has signed numerous agreements with foreign companies and investors to promote investment and trade, and has worked to establish diplomatic relations with countries that can provide economic assistance and support.

Despite the successes achieved by Kurdish and Palestinian paradiplomacy, both regions face ongoing challenges and obstacles. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of international recognition and support for their respective causes. Many countries, including major powers such as the United States and China, have yet to recognize the legitimacy of Kurdish and Palestinian statehood claims. This has limited their ability to secure international assistance and support for their economic and political aspirations.

Another challenge is the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The conflict has hindered the ability of both the KRG and the PA to establish diplomatic relations with countries that support Israel's policies. This has made it difficult for them to secure support and recognition on the international stage.

Despite these challenges, Kurdish and Palestinian paradiplomacy continues to play an important role in promoting their respective causes and advancing their interests on the international stage. The contributions of the contributing authors to this book provide valuable insights into the evolution of paradiplomacy, the domestic legal and institutional frameworks, the goals, instruments, and capabilities of Kurdish and Palestinian paradiplomacy, and selected foreign relations.

In conclusion, this comprehensive book offers a valuable contribution to the study of international relations and the roles of marginalized regions in the global arena. By examining the practical performance of Kurdistan-Iraq and Palestine in paradiplomacy, the book provides a deeper understanding of their involvement in international affairs and their activities. The book's findings and recommendations will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and activists alike, as they seek to promote peace, stability, and justice in the Middle East and beyond.

Weight: 585g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031097553
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023